On Thursday, September 24th, 2015 THR’s board voted to transition THR into the Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC) a 501(c) (6) with new mission, goals, direction and board.

Wayne Zettler (ESI), former THR Chairman, announced that THR was embarking on a new mission of helping to organize a regional entrepreneurial and innovation based support ecosystem.

Zettler stated: “Our region now understands that start-ups and growth companies in all sectors need to have a fabric of support to maximize their success potential.” Tim Early, former THR President said “We are excited about this new chapter for THR. We are reigniting with new energy and focus to include all and meet the needs of innovation growth organizations in our region.”

Newly appointed HRIC President Dan Bell said: “Over the years, THR efforts have given rise to a great landscape for small, innovative businesses to start. Time and conditions changing have translated to business needs changing. What is now required is a greater ecosystem for growth-based organizations in the innovation export space. HRIC is focused on delivering constructive activity such as mentoring, experience learning sessions, growth modeling and access to capital.”

HRIC is approaching its new mission in phases that are intended to regain positive forward momentum and assess and meet the needs of innovation and growth in Hampton Roads.

New HRIC board members are being established as a cross-sector representation and a small operational staff to support the business model.

Newly appointed HRIC Chairman Brad Scott (Cetan Corp) concluded: “HRIC is a collaborative model, filling gaps and supporting the existing good work in our region. We look forward to being part of and being instrumental in the development of a common fabric for innovation and economic advancement in Hampton Roads.”